This site is based on my daily practice of traditional Shotokan Karate-Do here in Oita City, Japan. More than anything else, unlike the majority of other karate-do websites, this page is primarily dedicated to training itself; that is, Karate-Do as a vehicle for holistic development.

Sunday, 17 August 2014

REBOOT

Every so often I make a
complete return to the start of my karate-do training. These days I like to describe
it as `a self-reboot’.

Technically,
at least for me—because I’m not a naturally talented karateka, not physically
big, nor strong—I really need to do this; that is, to go back to the critical details of kihon and work on them in the most
detailed way. Needless to say, I am also doing this via
yakusoku-kumite/kihon-kumite (especially gohon and kihon ippon, but also jiyu
ippon kumite); and—of course, within the `so-called basic kata’ (Heian shodan, nidan, sandan, yondan, godan, and
Tekki shodan). Basic... YEAH RIGHT! Humble pie... Yes, certainly!!!

Beyond
technique, I use these periods of `starting karate-do all over again’ to assess
what karate-do is to me `personally’, and what karate-do truly is: in the
traditional Japanese context. This aspect is something I began to do when I
first came to Japan for training, at the JKA (Japan Karate Association), 20+ years
ago...

At present, while I am doing this
`self-reboot’, I'm continuing to practice my current tokui-gata; the four
sentei-gata; oyo-kumite; and jiyu-kumite. However, these aspects are currently overshadowed by the aforementioned focal points.

For those, whom have followed my blog
for the last seven years, you will know that this strays from my previous
`reboots’; nevertheless, I am also attempting
`to keep the momentum up’ from my previous months of practice. In this way,
`this reboot is doing something a little different’; and therefore, adding a
little spice to my training.This process began on August 15th with a vigorous three day training stint, to commemorate eight years since the passing of my late teacher. I have much kansha for the 13 years I personally learned from him.

About Me

My name is Andre Bertel. I am a New Zealand born karateka who lives in Oita City (Oita Prefecture, Japan). I've practiced the Shotokan style for many years, spending much time here in Japan, seeking to improve my skills and understanding of authentic Karate-Do. I was a student of the late Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei. While I may never reach a high level in Karate-Do, I endeavour to do my best via daily training. Furthermore, I believe in promoting the true 'traditional Budo Karate' of Japan, which has and continues to be seriously undermined worldwide: especially in the West.
I am in deep gratitude for the wonderful friendships I have made worldwide, as an instructor, and as an ongoing student of Karate-Do. Overall, Karate-Do has been my way of life, and is something I live everyday.